Vern Benson holds a bachelor’s degree in physics, a master’s in mathematics, and a certificate in meteorology, and has had a highly successful career in the electronics and aerospace industries. After four years in the United States Air Force, Benson was a physics and math professor at Midland University and Kansas University. He gave up teaching to spend 30 years as an engineer and salesman in the electronics and aerospace industries. Benson has successfully quit smoking and has been a non-smoker for over 25 years.

Vern Benson’s recently published guide to quitting smoking is a surprisingly engaging read for smokers and non-smokers alike. The author, rather than focusing upon the act of quitting or relying upon scare-tactics, presents a concise and logical overview of how habits are formed. After outlining the process of habit formation, he outlines the ways in which individuals can use the machinery of the mind and body to develop the habit of not smoking.

Throughout the book Vern Benson emphasizes the autonomy and power of the individual in the smoking process. I believe this is a point of no small significance to smokers, as addiction can often lead to feelings of depression and powerlessness. Benson also employs a noticeably nonjudgmental and objective tone as he describes the steps involved in forming and breaking habits. His analysis of the human mind is quite thorough, with an academic yet accessible and interesting writing style. Despite the fact that I am not a smoker, I found myself fascinated with his arguments and extremely interested in his analyses of the human mind.

Benson’s work is engaging and meticulous, and likely ideal for those seeking a logic-based approach to quitting smoking. It is a no-frills guide that…appeals to and stimulates the reader’s intellect. Considering the quality of this book’s content (as well as its price and brevity), I would definitely recommend it.